I hold in my hand my final release paper: 5 years of prison, followed by 5 years of parole. An epic 10+ year odyssey of incarceration -- a journey out of darkness into light. A crucible that began with 11.5 months in solitary confinement: a process of rebirth and restoration, the inception of which was repentance and faith. Faith in God, through Christ Jesus, empowered by the Holy Spirit. Who would have thought God had a plan for me and others in and through it all? The men of True Freedom Ministry knew. Like Mike Swiger says, “God never wastes a hurt.”

My first experience with TFM was at Belmont Correctional, after my conversion, while serving as an assistant to the dual chaplaincy of Dr. Leonard M. Payne and Dr. Jefferey A. Burger. I witnessed the work of faith with power: the divine tag team of Mr. Frank Sinito and big Gary “Homey don’t ya’ know me” Koly. These men effectively shared their winsome testimonies -- transformed lives because of the indwelling Christ -- through their dynamic personas. Prison was not the end, it was a new beginning of God’s plan. In Christ and the Spirit’s power, these cats body slammed the enemy off to seg (segregation) every time they came to Belmont. A double high-five hope shot! A real talk, real walk, living faith with works.

I continued to serve God at Belmont as He used me as a G.E.D. tutor in the education department -- all while pointing men to Jesus -- by telling them of my spiritual, cognitive, emotional, and physical transformation. Finally, as God promised me during our 5 years of quiet time, He made my release a reality.

Like many men after incarceration, I had no place to live, yet. Although I was prepared, strong, and courageous -- it was Christmastime -- and I was at the 2100 men’s shelter, distant from my few family members. I was lying on my bunk and staring at the ceiling. Frankly, I was kind of feeling sorry for myself. God’s spirit spoke to my spirit: “My savior came into the world a homeless baby.” I heard an announcement over the loudspeaker that there was a Tuesday night Bible study being held. I went -- and that is where I first met Dave Sudnick.

Dave also introduced me to Mike Swiger. I had been blessed to read Mike’s testimonial story of his conversion and God-ordained vision for TFM in the Our Daily Bread Discovery series. I am not easily impressed: Mike Swiger blew me away. Mike made time for me after an already very long day. Not only did he actively listen as I was transparent about my background, he offered godly and relevant feedback. He went the extra mile to encourage me with networking contacts for employment opportunities. A real talk, real walk, living faith with works.

I have been blessed to continue fellowship and relationship with Dave Sudnick and TFM. I have come to realize that this is a form of discipleship. I know we need a right relationship with God and each other. I even have the monthly pleasure and privilege of dining with Dave and his wife, Maryann. She is a wonderfully artistic, uniquely charismatic, and brilliantly humorous sister-in-Christ who fills my heart with healing, joyful hope. I enjoy greatly sharing with them about my growing, healing, restored relationship with my gifts from God: my daughter, Alicia, and grandson, Jacob.

I have been helped by God through the uniquely created, infinitely valuable people of TFM. I am

growing, and I will be continuing on the transformative path of Christ -- paying it forward -- by seeking Him first and serving and helping others within the context of the body of Christ...the Church. A real talk, real walk, living faith with works. I am and I will be truly...free indeed.

True Freedom Ministries is a non-profit organization dedicated to reaching people in jails and prisons, the homeless, the elderly in nursing homes, and those trapped in addiction, in Ohio, with the message of the true freedom that is found only in Jesus Christ.

True Freedom Ministries

True Freedom Ministries is an evangelical, non-profit organization dedicated to reaching people locked in jails and prisons, the homeless, and those trapped in addiction across Ohio with the message of the true freedom found only in Jesus Christ.

Help Break the Cycle of Incarceration, Addiction and Homelessness

True Freedom Ministries’ amazing supporters and volunteers are giving us the opportunity to make this possible every day. Will you join us as we help these men and women to find their new life path and give them a chance to thrive?